FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- Fire Recruits with the Fort Worth Fire Department participated in a 100 flight stair climb at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex to raise funds that go directly to the non-profits assisting Afghan refugee families settle into housing and enroll in Fort Worth schools.
Since August, Texas has received the second largest number of Afghan refugees (4,400) with 2,200 being brought to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Of the 450 refugees repatriating in Fort Worth, 260 are under the age of 18 and half of those children are under the age of five. The families are comprised of adult males that assisted the United States military forces in Afghanistan during the Global War on Terror. They are repatriating in Fort Worth through the assistance of multiple government agencies and non-profits.
The Fort Worth Fire Department joined together with Angie Kraus (wife of retired Fort Worth Police Chief Ed Kraus), and Tarrant County Public Health over a two day period to provide access to vaccinations that would allow the children to enroll in school. On Thursday and Friday, 118 children (and adults) received vaccinations through the joint endeavor.
“The Fort Worth Fire Department is proud to stand in support of families that provided so much support to our United States military,” said Fire Chief Jim Davis. “We welcome them to our Fort Worth community and appreciate their contributions to keep our armed service members safe while in their home country.”
The stair climb at Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex will raise money for the three agencies that are helping provide clothing, food, hygiene products, diapers, household items and other necessities. Refugee Services of Texas (RST), Catholic Charities and World Relief-North Texas are assisting with the relocation and repatriation of these families. In addition to the Afghan refugees, these agencies are assisting with other groups and are preparing for the arrival of Ukrainian refugees.
“These families are so happy to be in Texas, but their hearts are still tied to many family and friend relationships back in Afghanistan,” said Angie Kraus. “They know their lives are threatened by the Taliban for their connection to America. Please welcome these families to Fort Worth. They left with nothing and we have an opportunity to support them as they start their new lives in America after they supported us in Afghanistan.”
If you would like to financially contribute to this cause, please visit the links below:
Refugee Services of Texas (RST): Donate Here
Catholic Charities Refugee Services: Donate Here
World Relief North Texas: Donate Here
Amazon Shopping List: Visit Here